Finding a Missing Value Given the Mean

Examples

Name ________________________
Part of Standard: 6.SP.5

Goal: How do you find the missing value in a set of data if you know some of the data and the mean
(average) you want to have?
Example 1:

Susan has four 20-point projects for math class. Susans scores on the first 3 projects are:
Project #1: 18
Project #2: 15
Project #3: 16
What does she need to make on Project #4 so that the mean (average) for the four projects is 17?
Explain your reasoning.

Solution 1:
Project Number
Data (scores already
earned)

Solution 2:
#1

#2

#3

#4

1) Calculate the total number of points

needed to have an average of 17.

Goal: Mean (average) of 17

How far away from the
average is each piece
of data?

2) How many points have been earned

already?

Total amount away from the

goal average of 17.

Conclusion:
3) How many points need to be earned
in order to reach the goal?

Answer:

Example 2:

Kevin has worked for five weeks at his part-time job. His weekly earnings are:
Week

#1

#2

#3

#4

#5

#6

Earnings

$50

$60

$40

$60

$20

???

What does Kevin need to earn in Week #6 so that the mean (average) for the six weeks is
is $50? Explain your reasoning.

Solution 1:
Week Number
Earnings

Solution 2:
#1

#2

#3

#4

#5

#6

1) Calculate the total number

of money needed to have an
average of 50.

Goal:
Mean (average) of $50
How far away from the
average is each piece of
data?

2) How much money has

been earned already?

Total amount away from

the goal average of $50.

Conclusion:
3) How much money needs
to be earned in order to reach
the goal?
Answer: